Health and Social Care.

Health and Social Care is one of the many optional subjects offered to key stage 4 pupils at Sawston Village College.

The main aim of the course is to increase pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the health, social care and early years care sectors. The topics covered help to develop an appreciation of some of the skills required for working in care. Pupils can use the qualification to help them to progress into employment and/or further training in the health, social care or early years care sector.

The syllabus followed is the OCR GCSE Health and Social Care (Double Award) 1493.
The course is divided into three units

1. Health Social Care and Early Years Provision. – This section aims to widen students’ knowledge of the care sector and give them an appreciation of the wide range of jobs available. It also aims to identify the skills and qualities essential for care workers.
2. Promoting Health and Well Being. – In this unit pupils develop an awareness of the number of influences on an individual’s health and well - being.
3. Understanding Human Development and Relationships – While studying this unit, pupils will recognise the importance of the stages of development of an individual and their relationships.

Assessment

Each unit is assessed separately and is worth 33% of the final mark.

Unit 1 and 2 are assessed by a portfolio assignment. Unit 3 is assessed by an external examination.



Pupils experience a variety of teaching and learning styles including formal lessons, case study work, role play and group work. The teaching staff try to develop contacts with the local care establishments in order to give pupils a better understanding of working in care. Pupils visit local establishments and care workers come into school to speak about their experiences.